Vaccine best way to prevent hepatitis in healthy people: experts

Islamabad

Vaccine is the best way to prevent hepatitis in healthy people. Early diagnosis of hepatitis B and C viruses is equally crucial to get rid of the disease and to and avoid liver failure, which eventually necessitates liver transplant. Used syringes; used blades at barbers’ shops, tobacco and alcohol consumption, and blood transfusion through unscreened blood can cause Hepatitis. Universal safety precautions must be observed to avoid the virus.

This was one of the key messages disseminated Thursday by Shifa International Hospital (SIH), where awareness campaign to mark World Hepatitis Day was organized. A large number of stalls offering flyers, brochures and literature on Hepatitis had been set up for the event, which was inaugurated by director health services of CDA Dr. Hassan Oruj. Dr Oruj interacted with the doctors and management of SIH and appreciated the idea of holding a session to promote prevention and healthy living.

A large number of people from the twin cities joined the campaign, and found the campaign material highly informative. Free screening for HBV was offered through lucky draw; moreover, all patients with HBV and HCV availed free consultancy from qualified gastroenterologists.

According to WHO, approximately 700,000 people die each year from hepatitis C-related liver diseases. More than 686, 000 people die every year due to complications of hepatitis B, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. An estimated 240 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B and between130–150 million people globally have chronic hepatitis C infection. Alarming figures revealed by WHO.

Consultant gastroenterologist SIH Dr. Muhammad Salih explained that the spectrum of chronic hepatitis C infection is essentially the same as that of chronic hepatitis B infection. Around 4.5 per cent of total Pakistani population is hepatitis C infected whereas 2.5 per cent of the population is affected by hepatitis B.

Dr. Salih said, people in the Asia-Pacific acquire HBV and HCV infection through transfusion and transplant. Newborns of long-term carriers, individuals with multiple sexual partners, intravenous drug users, healthcare workers, prisoners and other institutionalized people also acquire HBV and HCV infections. Highlighting the clinical features of chronic liver disease, Dr. Salih said, fatigue, vascular spiders, enlarged or shrunken liver, enlarged spleen, finger clubbing, ascites and bruising are some of the symptoms.